RELAX

I don't believe in doing lawn work during holiday weekends. Actually, I am not a big fan of high-maintenance lawn work at any time. I live by the philosophy that those who can, do; those who can't, teach; and those who can't even do that live in a townhouse with a maintenance contract and give advice.

There are too many other ways to celebrate the official start of summer than to spend huge amounts of time sweating over a lawn. So mow and water if you must, and then enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Backyard picnic hints: If you are planning a picnic in your yard, don't apply anything to your lawn other than water. If you are setting up a volleyball or a badminton net, vary the location so you spread the soil compaction that the games will cause. It's also a good idea to not water the day of the game.

Finally, sometime during all the ribs, hot dogs and potato salad, spend a moment remembering the people that this holiday honors.

-- David M. Bishop is senior manager of information services for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.